Savile's family asked for its removal after it emerged that police could have abused up to 25 people over 40 years.

A family spokesman said: "The family members are deeply aware of the impact that the stone remaining there could have on the dignity and sanctity of the cemetery.

"Out of respect to public opinion, to those who are buried there, and to those who tend their graves and visit there, we have decided to remove it."

A spokesman for Scarborough Borough Council said: "We have been advised
by the funeral directors, Joseph A Hey and Son, acting on behalf of
Jimmy Savile's family, that the headstone at Woodlands Cemetery has been
removed."

Police said last night that Savile's abuse could have been carried out on a 'national scale'.

Savile, who was found dead at his Leeds home last October, aged 84, is alleged to have abused young girls at his BBC dressing room, at the now-closed Duncroft Approved School for Girls in Surrey and the scandal-ridden children's home Haute de la Garenne in Jersey.

Meanwhile Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday that he was discussing with officials to option of revoking Savile's knighthood.